Spring Hazards for Pets

Tag Archives: pet hazards

It’s hard to believe, but spring is just around the corner. As the weather starts to warm up, both people and pets will happily head outdoors to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. This is also the time of year when many of us will roll up our sleeves and get some spring cleaning done. Remember to keep your pet’s health and safety in mind! Read on as a Fort Collins, CO vet lists some seasonal hazards for pets.

Parasites

As soon as the weather warms up, parasites will start coming out in full force. Make sure your furry pal is up to date on parasite control products. It’s also important to stay current on your pet’s vaccinations. Many wild animals will be out and about in spring. You definitely don’t want to take a chance of your four-legged buddy getting infected with rabies—or anything else—after a chance encounter!

Lawn/Garden Products

Once the snow melts, many people start applying fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to their lawns. These products can be very toxic to pets! Make sure to store lawn/garden chemicals in a secure spot that your furry companion can’t reach. If you treat your yard, keep your animal companion out of that area for at least a few days. Giving the lawn a good soaking will also help get residue off your grass. Pets can get sick just by walking through an area that was just sprayed, and then licking their paws!

Toxic Plants

Many popular plants are poisonous to pets. We strongly recommend choosing only plants that are safe for pets. You can check the ASPCA site for a full directory of both toxic and non-toxic plants.

Easter Trappings

Are you planning a family gathering for Easter? Chocolates, flowers, and plastic eggs are all hazardous to pets, so keep these away from your animal buddy. Also, make sure to immediately remove leftovers and uneaten food, and dispose of waste in a secure container. Bones, fruit pits, toothpicks, skewers, and tin foil are all very dangerous to our furry friends.

Household Chemicals

You may want to give your house a good cleaning once the weather warms up. Just be sure not to expose your four-legged buddy to dangerous chemicals. Many common cleaning products are toxic to pets!

Dogs and cats have many wonderful qualities. Our four-legged pals certainly brighten and enrich our lives with their loving snuggles, cute faces, adorable antics, playfulness, and curiosity. Unfortunately, our furry friends’ natural inquisitiveness can sometimes work against them. Fluffy and Fido don’t always know what’s safe for them, so it’s up to you to protect them from potential hazards. Here, a local Fort Collins, CO vet lists some common household products that are dangerous to pets.

Lawn/Garden Products

Fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and other lawn and garden products can be very hazardous to pets. Dogs and cats can get sick just by licking their paws after walking through a spot you just treated! Choose non-toxic options when possible, and wipe your pet’s paws and belly with a damp cloth after they’ve been outside. It can also help to give your lawn a good watering after applying these products, so the residue goes into the soil.

Medications

Human medications are very dangerous for pets. Dogs are particularly at risk, because they’re more likely to, well, eat things that aren’t food. Keep both prescription and OTC meds in a secure cabinet.

Pest Control

Rodenticides, insect traps, ant bait, and other pest control products are just as dangerous to pets as they are to vermin. Use pet-safe options for keeping uninvited guests off your property.

Automotive Chemicals

Automotive products are extremely toxic to pets. Antifreeze is a particular concern: it’s poisonous to pets, but, unfortunately, has a taste many animals like. Clean up any spills immediately, and cover stains with kitty litter or sand. We also recommend keeping your furry buddy out of the garage.

Cleaning Products

Many common cleaning agents contain chemicals that may work great at removing stains, but are very dangerous for our furry pals. Keep your cleaning products in a secure place, well out of your pet’s reach.

Tips

If you know or suspect that your furball has ingested or had contact with any of these substances, call your vet immediately, and ask for specific instructions. You may also want to keep a few poison control numbers handy. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at 888-426-4435, and the Pet Poison Helpline number is 800-213-6680. (Note: charges may apply.)

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? We can help! Contact us, your Fort Collins, CO pet clinic, anytime!